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NEARI Reacts to passage of "contract continuation" bill

Statement from National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) on the passage of the “contract continuation” bill:

“We applaud the members of the General Assembly who recognized continuation of a collective bargaining agreement for what it is: fundamental fairness. Passage of this bill levels the playing field for teachers, education support professionals, and municipal workers who do not have the benefit of binding arbitration in resolving contractual disputes,” said NEARI President Larry Purtill. “This legislation ensures equity and allows for school and municipal operations to go on uninterrupted and continue until new contracts are reached -- which is in the best interest of students and families."

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NEARI president reacts to commissioner's legislation

“We are appreciative of Governor Raimondo and Commissioner Wagner’s efforts to engage in thoughtful and productive conversations with classroom educators. The difference in approach and tenor between Dr. Wagner and his immediate predecessor is significant, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue with him and members of the administration in the months ahead.

While we share many of the commissioner’s goals and recognize the intent behind the legislation he outlined this evening, we remain concerned about language that might weaken or undermine the collective bargaining rights of education professionals.

NEARI is proud to represent some of the best educators in the country – including the last three Rhode Island Teachers of the Year. Our members go to great lengths to provide their students with a world-class education because we know they deserve nothing less. Now that the administration has formalized its proposals, we will respectfully participate in the legislative process and provide meaningful input for the General Assembly to consider.”

NEARI reacts to federal rollback of transgender guidance for public schools

February 23, 2017 - National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) President Larry Purtill today released the following statement with regard to President Trump’s revocation of guidance for public schools allowing transgender students to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity put in place by former President Obama:

“We’ve been told since the election that the LGBTQ community had nothing to worry about with a President Trump. Yet at his first opportunity he chooses to attack LGBTQ youth. It’s offensive and disgraceful.

It is important to note that Rhode Island state law bans discrimination with regard to public accommodations – including public schools – based on gender identity or expression. Transgender students are today and should always be protected and NEARI will aggressively fight any efforts to roll back policies that keep all children safe from intimidation and harm.

Rescinding federal guidance does not undo legal protections for transgender students. Transgender students are protected by the Constitution and Title IX’s prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex. This includes when using restrooms and other school facilities.

We will do everything possible to protect, welcome and embrace our transgender students. Every, and I mean every, student deserves that and I will be asking RIDE to take this opportunity to recommit to the existing state law and guidance already in place.

We will not turn our backs on these students. In fact, we’ve got their backs! Politics among adults is one thing, but not protecting every student is outrageous and will not be tolerated.

All students yearn to feel comfortable in their skin and find their place in this world. This holds especially true for LGBTQ youth. It’s easy sometimes when using acronyms to really remember their meaning. The “T” stands for transgender and today and every day we will stand with our transgender students.”

If educators, administrators, parents and students see any act of discrimination or witness bullying or threatening behavior, please report it immediately to your local officials, NEARI (401-463-9630) or GLBTQ Advocates and Defenders (GLAD: 617-426-1350).

NEARI Reacts to Governor Veto on "Continuing Contract"

(July 19, 2017) “We are disappointed that Governor Raimondo turned her back on classroom educators and Rhode Island public employees who were seeking respect and fundamental fairness in the bargaining process,” said NEARI President Larry Purtill. “It is no surprise that a politician who made her bones on Wall Street is incapable of understanding the needs of working Rhode Islanders. Clearly, ‘Gina from Smithfield’ has lost her way. We respectfully urge the Assembly to override this thoughtless veto.”

“It is sad that the beleaguered RI GOP would use the occasion of Teacher Appreciation Week to attack a hardworking classroom teacher. Like many Rhode Islanders, Val Lawson is active in her profession, her community, her union, and, in her case, she also serves as a newly-elected state senator.

“Val Lawson is a stickler for the rules. She attended the briefing for state senators conducted by the RI Ethics Commission and followed up with their executive director, Jason Gramitt, with questions on this topic. In fact, this matter was so clear-cut that neither the Ethics Commission staff nor Senate legal staff felt that she needed an opinion in writing.

“As to the specifics of this complaint, Sen. Lawson followed the two relevant rules to the letter. The class exception covers Sen. Lawson debating and voting on this bill, which equally impacts all public sector employees. While not relevant, it should be noted that a statewide NEARI vice president has no role in bargaining for NEARI’s 75 local associations. Should the GOP efforts to change the existing rules prevail, one can question if anyone can serve in our part-time general assembly.

“The GOP acknowledges that Sen. Lawson is in compliance with the second relevant policy. When a NEARI employee was slated to testify before the Senate Labor Committee, she completed and submitted the appropriate recusal paperwork, and removed herself from the table as she was advised to do, because the NEARI lobbyist could be considered a business associate. For a similar reason, she requested not to serve on the Senate Education Committee where NEARI lobbyists more regularly appear.

“Obviously, we are extremely disappointed that the RI GOP would use the RI Ethics Commission for a political attack because they disagree with the underlying legislation. We are also shocked that the so-called paper-of-record’s reporter turned this into an issue by tweeting out a comment before checking her notes, effectively making herself part of the story and virtually inviting the filing of this complaint.

“We fully expect the RI Ethics Commission will rule in this matter consistent with its current regulations.”

NEARI Elects Leadership Team

NEARI Elects Leadership Team

Cranston, R.I. (May 20, 2019)– At their regularly scheduled May meeting, the National Education Association Rhode Island (NEARI) delegate assembly voted for officers to lead the organization for another two years. With unanimous support, Lawrence E. Purtill was re-elected to his post as president. In a show of solidarity and support, delegates engaged in a standing vote to unanimously re-elect NEARI Vice President Valarie J. Lawson. Our officers are members of the 105-person executive committee and the close to 400-member delegate assembly; NEARI’s highest governing body.

The National Education Association Rhode Island represents more than 12,000 active and retired public classroom teachers; education support professionals; higher education faculty, graduate students, and staff; and state and municipal employees.

NEARI-PACE Endorses Gina Raimondo for Re-Election

October 11, 2108 – The National Education Association Rhode Island Political Action Committee for Education (NEARI-PACE) , in a special meeting, voted last night to recommend Gina Raimondo for Governor.

“We recognize this will be a difficult recommendation for some of our members due to the impact of pension changes,” said NEARI President Larry Purtill. “After due consideration, committee members felt the Governor’s remarks last night and her record as governor – specifically her work promoting all-day kindergarten, preschool, gun safety, the school construction bond, Rhode Island Promise, as well as addressing mental health concerns and strengthening equal protection for all students – merit a recommendation to NEARI members to support her in the election on November 6.

“With the current climate in Washington, we know she will stand with the labor movement and Rhode Islanders against the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the progress we have made as a state. Her two main opponents are and will be supporters of the Trump agenda which does not benefit children, families or workers. For all these reasons and to move Rhode Island forward, we encourage members to vote for Gina Raimondo for Governor. We do not agree with the Governor on all issues. NEARI remains committed to and will continue to lobby the Governor and General Assembly for changes in the state pension system, continuing contracts, and a responsible contract resolution mechanism.”